In one of our previous news, we told you that, if you visit Ourense for a few days, you had to include among your list of destinations the municipalities of Allariz, Ribadavia or the Ribeira Sacra.
Well, the latter, the Ribeira Sacra, has been chosen as the best rural destination in Spain in the third edition of the National Geographic Travel Readers’ Choice Awards.
That’s right, Galicia has done it again. And not only for its beaches, its islands or its gastronomy, but also for its natural and patrimonial wealth in the field of rural tourism.
The third edition of the National Geographic Readers’ Choice Awards
Last month, the prestigious publication announced the results of this third edition of the awards. The awards cover various categories, from destinations to hotels, airlines or outstanding tourism projects.
Decisions were made through a vote open to the public, who were able to choose from a carefully selected list of nominations.
In the category of rural destinations, the competition was fierce due to the rich heritage, landscape and culture of the other four finalist regions: Olite and Zona Media (Navarra), Subbética Cordobesa (Andalusia), Los Cameros (La Rioja) and Ciudad Rodrigo and Sierra de Francia (Castilla y León). Finally, Ribeira Sacra won the award for its unique fusion of history, nature and wine.
The Ribeira Sacra, the paradise of canyons and wine tourism
Located between the provinces of Lugo and Ourense, the Ribeira Sacra unfolds between the rivers Miño, Sil, Cabe and Bibei, in a spectacular landscape dominated by canyons, vineyards on impossible slopes and breathtaking viewpoints.
In the province of Lugo, the municipalities of Bóveda, Carballedo, Chantada, Monforte de Lemos, Pantón, Paradela, A Pobra do Brollón, Portomarín, Quiroga, Ribas de Sil, Saviñao, Sober and Taboada are part of this region. In Ourense, Castro Caldelas, Esgos, Xunqueira de Espadanedo, Montederramo, Nogueira de Ramuín, Parada de Sil, A Peroxa and A Teixeira stand out.
The origin of the name Ribeira Sacra goes back to a 17th century text that mentions the Rivoyra Sacrata, in reference to these lands covered with vineyards already in Roman times. Since 1997, the area has its own Denomination of Origin, which groups 21 municipalities and about 90 wineries.
In addition to its winemaking tradition, the Ribeira Sacra is home to one of the largest concentrations of rural Romanesque architecture in Europe, with monasteries such as Santo Estevo and Santa Cristina de Ribas de Sil, true jewels of heritage.
And, if we talk about views, few places in Galicia offer panoramic views like those of the viewpoints of Vilouxe, the Balcones de Madrid, La Columna or the viewpoint of A Cividade, a work of Isabel Aguirre that integrates impeccably with the landscape. The same architect also designed the Mao River walkway, another must-see experience in the area.
For National Geographic, the visit is completed with a wine tasting in local wineries, one of the great attractions of the region. We recommend you to do it in charming villages such as Chantada, Castro Caldelas or Monforte de Lemos.
All in all, this territory of 16,500 hectares aspires to be part of the UNESCO World Heritage under the candidacy Cultural Landscape of the Water of the Ribeira Sacra (Ourense and Lugo), for its perfect combination of nature, culture and wine tradition.
Carrís Cardenal Quevedo, the ideal starting point for discovering Ourense
What more reasons do you need to visit the province of Ourense on your next vacation? We already told you that it is the capital of the thermal paradise, and now it adds to its letter of introduction a destination awarded by National Geographic.
And so that you don’t have to think too much about where to stay… we make it easy for you: Hotel Carrís Cardenal Quevedo.
An accommodation with history, consisting of two old buildings completely renovated, in the heart of Ourense. Perfect to move comfortably around the city and, from there, launch you to discover wonders such as the Ribeira Sacra.
Visit us!
